Firstly, What Is Sex Addiction?

This is a tricky question, as the experts don’t yet agree on
the answer.

Sex addiction is not yet a disorder recognized by the
American Psychological Association (APA) in its manual of disorders, the DSM-IV
Revised. The APA does recognize problematic sexual activity as a
"sexual disorder".

Some therapists believe that sexually disordered behaviors
arise out of a true clinical "addiction to sex" and that the term sex
addiction is a valid descriptor of the condition. Other therapists believe that
sexually disordered behaviors arise as a result of compulsive or obsessive
disorders and can be treated similarly to obsessive compulsive conditions.

While the mental health community has yet to explicitly
define the problem, the community does recognize that for a lot of people,
sexual activity, thoughts and drives do cause a lot of problems and that people
with problematic sexual activity need and respond to appropriate treatment.

Since sex addiction is colloquially known to describe
problematic sexual behaviors and since addiction may be an accurate descriptor,
we use the term sex addiction as a default term.

Do You Have a Sex Addiction?

According to the non profit organization, The Society for
the Advancement of Sexual Health, an early advocacy group for the treatment of
disordered sexual behaviors, there are three primary indicators of a sex
addiction:

Do
you lack control over your sexual behaviors? Are you unable to control
when, how, how much and how often to engage in sexual behaviors – or
unable set and follow limits on your behaviors?

Do
you lack control over how much time you spend thinking about sexual
activity?

Frequency of sexual behavior does not characterize sexual
addiction; rather it is the degree of control over sexual thoughts and actions
and the consequences of those actions that are more relevant. Answering yes to
one or more of the preceding three questions indicates a cause for concern and
the potential existence of a sexual addiction.

There are a number of effective treatments available for the
treatment of sexual addiction or sexually compulsive behaviors, which can
include a brief course of talk therapy or anti depressant medication. Talk to a
therapist versed in sexual addiction for an accurate diagnosis of any possible
disorder and to learn what steps you can take to retake control over your
sexual behaviors.

You don’t get addiction treatment to create a life without drugs or alcohol - you get it to create a BETTER life without drugs or alcohol. Finding moderation and balance in life helps to protect you from relapse and ultimately, to be happier and more fulfilled. Take this quick self test to find out what areas you need to work on.Read Article